A charity building a respite centre for sufferers of multiple sclerosis has vowed to fight a decision by councillors to refuse planning permission for an access road.

South Gloucestershire councillors went against planning officers’ recommendations to refuse permission for access to the site where a £1.15m Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke is due to be built.

The centre has already had planning permission granted, but councillors refused permission for the access road because they said there were concerns from residents in the area of increased traffic levels.

An appeal has already been lodged, but the future of the respite centre has been put in jeopardy.

Bristol broadcaster, and former England rugby player and Gloucestershire cricketer, Alastair Hignell has been supporting the Moonstone Appeal to raise the money for the new therapy centre, as he has been living with MS for many years.

“I know that the Charity completely respects the interests and feelings of the residents and wishes to work as closely as possible with them,” he said. ”

I do feel however that they have nothing to fear from any extra impact on their ways of life and that by conceding to this suggested access they will be helping many sufferers like myself lead far more rewarding lives.

“There is no known cure for MS and it is vital that the new centre opens as it will provide so much help for so many more people, allowing them to at least get on with their lives and continue to be useful members of the society.”

Access to the new therapy centre was originally going to be from Bradley Stoke Way, but a surveyors’ report failed to include the existence of TV and internet cables across the road, which made it too expensive because work would need to be done to re-route the cables.

Nearby Wheatfield Drive was suggested as an alternative but permission to use it was refused by councillors who said residents had concerns about the extra traffic.

That decision has put funds of £350,000 in jeopardy, as it was money raised for the therapy centre under the condition that it is spent this year or it will be withdrawn. The refusal of permission could lead to delays in the process that go beyond this year which will mean the money is lost and the new therapy centre put at risk.

The land where the new centre is planned has been leased at peppercorn rent to the charity by the South Gloucestershire County Council and is designated solely for Multiple Sclerosis health care purposes.

Mike Gelder, Chairman of the West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre and the Moonstone Appeal which has raised the funds for the new centre, said: “The permission has not been granted because of some concerns about increased traffic using Wheatfield Drive in Bradley Stoke to reach the planned centre.

“I would like to reassure residents that independent traffic consultants have endorsed our own forecasts that in fact there will be few extra cars using the road and none of them will add to those already travelling to and from the school, as the centre will open only after lessons begin.”

For more information about the Moonstone Appeal, go to www.moonstoneappeal.org.uk

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